Rockies’ Casey Blake out with neck stiffness

SCOTTSDALE — Casey Blake was scratched from Monday’s lineup with a stiff neck, continuing a slow spring training for the 38-year-old.

The injury is not related to neck surgery he underwent Sept. 6, according to a source. Blake was signed to buy time for developing prospect Nolan Arenado. Blake is 0-for-9 with four strikeouts this spring. Arenado has struggled this week, and will likely need a little more minor league seasoning after not playing about the Class-A level.

If Blake doesn’t heal and produce, the Rockies could choose from a number of candidates at third base, including Brandon Wood, who’s starting today, Jordan Pacheco and Chris Nelson

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.